Although marijuana is certainly at a high right now with the industry booming, the plant dates back thousands of years. Before marijuana was the popular drug and medicine that it is today, cultures all around the world used and consumed the plant in all aspects of their lives. Though there are a number of different tribes, each with different cultures and religious practices, there is evidence that marijuana was consumed by Native Americans in varying tribes.
First, like we do today, Native Americans recognized marijuana’s healing medical powers, “This plant is good for things other than merely making rope. Soaked and softened, the seeds are very good against wind in the stomach… A decoction of the root is good for inflammations in the head or other areas, gout, joint or hip pain, and muscular atrophy.” After recovering from an illness, many people smoked cannabis as well because, “This plant will get you going.” The Native Americans also regarded cannabis as a stimulating agent and psychological aid, fitting with the concept of the peace pipe that those who smoke together make peace. Some claim that the great visionaries packed their sacred pipes with cannabis because smoking increased the intensity of their visions.
